Ron Coomer named new Cubs radio commentator

Former Major League Baseball infielder Ron Coomer will replace color commentator Keith Moreland in the WGN-AM/720 radio booth in 2014, the station and team announced.

The 47-year-old Chicago native, whose nine-year playing career included one season with the Cubs, in 2001, reportedly signed a two-year contract to call Cubs games on the radio alongside play-by-play man Pat Hughes after Mr. Moreland announced last month that he was leaving the booth after three seasons with the team.

"What a great homecoming for Ron," Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said in a statement. "His knowledge of the game is vast, and he will be a great complement to Pat in the WGN booth."

A Lockport Township High School graduate, Mr. Coomer most recently worked as a TV studio analyst for the Minnesota Twins.

After ending his playing career in 2003, he established the On Deck Baseball Academy in Orland Park.

"His humor, knowledge and lifelong affinity for the Cubs make him a natural to team up with Pat in the booth for Chicago's very own," WGN Radio Sports Director Dave Eanet said in a statement.

Mr. Coomer will make his debut in the Cubs' booth with the start of 2014 spring training.